Emusoma Primary School

Project Status

Western Kenya WaSH Program

The Water Project’s WaSH Program in Western Kenya’s Kakemega and Vihiga Counties includes partnerships with self-organized leadership groups within schools, churches and communities.

Approximately 80% of people in these counties lack access to safe and reliable water.

Due to high occurrence of non-functioning hand pumps in this county, The Water Project’s program is focused on well rehabilitation. When water points cannot be rehabilitated, or no other viable source exists, new wells with hand-pumps are installed. Additional work targets self-help groups to implement protected springs and household sanitation solutions. The Water Project also works with nearby schools to implement rainwater catchment systems, hand-washing stations and latrines. This approach means kids have access to safe water while at home – and also while at school.

Agreements are signed with communities which outline necessary contributions and current/future responsibilities associated with each water point.

Hygiene and Sanitation Training targets overall health, teaching the community about the importance of hand-washing and latrine use.

Ongoing mobile monitoring breaks the cycle of broken water systems and helps gauge the impact of every project. Thanks to our monthly donors, we are able to monitor and repair water projects to ensure water continues to flow.

Functionality Data

Install Date: 02/15/2018

Current Status: Functional - New Project

Project Features

Rainwater Catchment

The Water Project completes RainWater Catchment projects at schools, where on-site, safe water keeps kids in school. Water is collected off of specific areas of a roof, enters a custom guttering system (which filters out debris) and leads to a storage tank. Tanks can vary in sizes and are determined by the population of the school and average rainfall patterns. Water can be stored for months, is easily treated in the tank, and is accessible through taps on the tank.

The Water Project implements this technology in areas where we are also providing other community water projects. We believe if kids are able to get safe water at home, they should also get it at school (and vice versa!). We give RainWater Catchment an A+!

Rehabilitation Project

Rehabilitation is not just fixing a pump - it’s total community re-engagement.

There’s only one thing we can think of that might be worse than not having safe water: having safe water, and then losing if because a project fell into disrepair.

It’s estimated 50% of projects in Sub-Saharan Africa are no longer functional. A majority of these projects are dug wells and boreholes with hand pumps. Though a hand pump is low-tech, cost-effective and a great solution for providing safe water - it’s also among the most susceptible to failure.

When working in a region, The Water Project seeks to provide adequate water coverage for communities across the region. Inevitably, we find dug well and boreholes projects installed, and then abandoned by other organizations and government contracts. We believe there is great value in building on what already exists - what is already present in a community - even if what’s exists is not working. After all, this broken well represents a significant investment from the past and repairing it shows a community our investment in them.

Rehabilitation often proves to be a big challenge, as many wells have sit idle for years and there is typically little information about the specifics of the well. A borehole and dug well rehabilitation involves quite a bit of discovery. First, our teams work to discover as much as they can about the initial project. What materials were used? Was the borehole/hand-dug well properly constructed? What is the static water level and well yield? Are there any known sources of contamination? Many of these questions can only be answered by diving in, and doing “the work” which makes up a rehabilitation.

Once our teams have found the problem, they find the solution. Then, they reconstruct a concrete apron around the well, and install a hand pump.

Program engagement and training with communities takes into account rehabilitation was needed and alters the program to suit the needs of the community. After all - engaging with this community in the same way which led to the initial, failed project will not bring new results. Our teams work to understand the social and support reasons leading to initial failure, and make those areas a focus of our ongoing engagement with communities.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is at every step of a water project.

Our engagement is rooted in relationship and includes involving the community in implementation and ongoing support, setting expectations for water point management and ongoing costs, etc. All of this happens before a water project is installed.

We use a term called ABCD: “Asset Based Community Development”. This means the community gets a leading seat at the table. Before we seek to bring anything into the community, we first seek to understand and utilize the assets that already exist within the community.

Hand-washing Stations

Handwashing with soap at critical times reduces diarrheal disease by more than 40%. All of our projects include hygiene and sanitation training, which (among many things) empowers communities to build their own handwashing stations. When we work at schools, we install permanent handwashing stations and work with the school to make sure they are constantly supplied with soap.

Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) Latrines

Proper hygiene and sanitation facilities go hand-in-hand with access to clean, reliable water. Two major challenges with sanitation facilities are flies and smell.

A VIP latrine is a pit latrine containing a vent pipe fitted to the pit and a screen at the pipe opening. The vent pipe carries smell outside and screens keep flies out/in.

Hygiene and Sanitation Training

Community education and self-discovery about hygiene and sanitation concepts lead to improved health.

Improved health is always the goal. This is why all our projects include hygiene and sanitation training. We utilize many different methods for this training, depending on the community/institution, program and country. Training topics include disease transmission, personal hygiene and cleanliness, proper disposal of waste and proper water storage methods.

Monitoring and Resolution

Water isn’t a pump. Water is a service. And, it must be reliable.

The known benefits of water are ONLY true if water can be counted on, over time. We love celebrating when a project is complete and a community has access to clean, safe water. However, the ongoing service of water - making water reliable - is how we know our true impact.

The Water Project continues to monitor our water projects, and we provide continued support to make sure water service continues for communities.

Past water projects and the communities they serve are just as important to us as anything else we might be doing in the future.

Project Timeline FAQ

Project Status

Funded: Money has been raised for this project and we are preparing to release those funds to the driller/implementer

Under Construction: Money had been released to our partner to begin construction

Completed: All project work is complete and final reports have been submitted

On Hold: Issues of concern are being investigated (more below)

Canceled/Re-Allocated: The project your gift was originally allocated to has been withdrawn and we have re-allocated your gift to another project. Click the link to be redirected to your new project. (read more below)

Why isn't my project under construction yet?

Our goal is to get funds into the hands of our implementing partners as quickly and as efficiently as possible. To ensure that work in the field is not interrupted, waiting for additional funds to be raised, we keep our partners on about a 3-6 month back-log of work. That ensures the workers are always drilling or repairing wells.

Of course the side-effect of that is a perceived "lag" between donation and construction. Rest assured everyone is working as fast as is responsible.

Is the expected completion date a sure thing?

NO. Well construction in the developing world is very hard work. A lot of things can and do go wrong and delays are normal. We attempt to make a best judgment estimate of when a particular project will be complete, but the circumstances surrounding actual "in the field" conditions are far from our control.

Weather, supply availability, government paperwork, and community involvement are just a few of the variables that can delay (and sometimes even speed up) a project's completion.

What does "On Hold" mean?

Our goal is to ensure your donations are well spent. That means always erring on the side of caution when it comes to your gifts.

From time to time, concerns may arise about a particular project that require further investigation before we can fund it (actually wire money overseas) or it can be completed. We will place a project "On Hold" while we determine if it is possible to proceed and be assured of the quality of the work, and that the transparency and accountability of our partners remains up to our standard. Many times, the issues can be resolved, but on occasion project funds will need to be re-allocated to another project or partner. Sometimes initial efforts fail and we will put a project on hold to assess the situation as well. We will tell you when that happens.

What does "Canceled/Re-allocated" mean?

From time to time our water projects may not go as planned. Delays can occur due to equipment failures, geology, weather, and in some cases because we are simply not satisfied that work is being performed to our high standards. When this happens, we may need to re-allocate your donation/project. While we attempt to keep the new project in the same country, this is not always possible.

We mark a project canceled so that you are aware that your funds have been re-allocated to a new site or project. The new project link will be listed accordingly.

Click icons to learn about each feature.

Community Profile

This project is a part of our shared program with Western Water And Sanitation Forum (WEWASAFO). Our team is pleased to directly share the below report (edited for clarity, as needed).

Welcome to the School

Emusoma Primary School was established in the year 2012 by the Constituency Development Fund. They started with just four classrooms and added on from there. Since there’s no other school nearby, the community together with the local government decided to buy this land and build the school together.

Mr. Patrick Osendo, the school’s headmaster, said that ”The school has been enrolling more and more pupils each year due to the sensitization being done by the members of the community. The student population currently stands at 454.”

Students arrive as early as 6 am for their morning sessions that begin at 8am. These go until 5 pm in the evening with bathroom breaks and lunch hour. Those living in the surrounding community plant and sell vegetables to earn a living.

Water Situation

Mrs. Fridah Mungala, an early childhood teacher said the inadequacy of water within the school has been one of their biggest challenges.

A hand-dug well was installed for the school by the Constituency Development Fund as well, but it didn’t serve the school for long. Now, students can only get about 20 liters until the pump stops drawing water. It seems that this well just wasn’t dug deep enough!

There is no other water source at school, so administration must send students out in search of water. The most popular source is an open stream; students go as a class to fill their five to 10-liter jerrycans with that dirty water. “The school is surrounded by a river and when it rains, pupils find it difficult to go to the school due to the overflow of water,” added the headmaster.

Most of this water is used right away for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Because of this clean water shortage, students and staff suffer from waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera.

Sanitation Situation

The school has one semi-permanent kitchen that is fairly clean. The school has eight latrines; three for the boys, three for the girls and the remaining two for staff. These are in fairly good condition because they were built in 2012.

There is one hand-washing station primarily meant for staff. “The health standards of the students in our school leaves a lot to be desired. Some of our students have been victims of waterborne diseases such as typhoid. We have tried seeking help from the county but no positive response we have received,” said Teacher Evelyn Lukoye.

Plans: Hygiene and Sanitation Training and Hand-Washing Stations

Training will be held for two days. The facilitator will use PHAST (participatory hygiene and sanitation transformation), ABCD (asset-based community development), CTC (child to child), lectures, group discussions, and handouts to teach health topics and ways to promote good practices within the school. The CTC method will prepare students to lead other students into healthy habits, as well as kickstart a CTC club for the school. This CTC club will oversee the new facilities, such as hand-washing stations, and make sure they are kept clean and in working condition. The two hand-washing stations will be delivered to the school, and the club will fill them with water on a daily basis and make sure there is always a cleaning agent such as soap or ash.

Plans: VIP Latrines

Two triple-door latrines will be constructed with local materials that the school will help gather. Three doors will serve the girls while the other three serve the boys. And with a new source of water on school grounds, students and staff should have enough to keep these new latrines clean.

Plans: Rainwater Catchment Tank

A 50,000-liter rainwater catchment tank will help alleviate the water crisis at this school. The school will also help gather the needed materials such as sand, rocks, and water from the spring for mixing cement (students have already started helping). Once finished, this tank can begin catching rainfall that will be used by the school’s students and staff. Students will no longer be responsible to find enough water to carry to school every day.

We and the school strongly believe that with this assistance, standards will significantly improve. These higher standards will translate to better academic performance! With this help, the school will consider sitting for their first national exam this year.

Project Updates

02/15/2018: Emusoma Primary School Project Complete

Emusoma Primary School in Kenya now has a new source of safe, clean water thanks to your generous donation. A new rainwater catchment system has been built, and there are now six new latrines being used. Two hand-washing stations have been installed, and students have received training in sanitation and hygiene. Just imagine the difference these resources will make in the lives of these young students!

You made it happen, now help keep the water flowing! Join our team of monthly donors and help us maintain this rainwater catchment tank and many other projects.

Project Result: New Knowledge

We worked with the school headmaster, who invited student leaders from each grade to attend hygiene and sanitation training. The headmaster actually preferred to hold training during school break so that class wouldn’t be interrupted. 12 students came back to school to attend, half boys and half girls. Though they could have been at home, they were very enthusiastic and patient throughout all the sessions.

We taught that hygiene entails personal hygiene, water hygiene, and environmental hygiene. Attention needs to be given to each facet of hygiene to enjoy a healthy life.

An entire lesson was on management and maintenance of the new tank and latrine facilities. Regular checking and cleaning of the gutter system is a must! It’s also important to treat the water while it is still in the tank. We also covered topics including but not limited to:

– Water pollution and water treatment

– Cleaning self and clean environment

– Group dynamics, leadership, and governance

– Forming an effective CTC (child to child) club

– Hand-washing

Demonstrations were used for hand-washing, tooth-brushing, solar disinfection, and many other topics. We facilitated group discussions and presentations, and students took part in role-plays. The students also received handouts which will help them teach hygiene and sanitation to their peers.

The new hand-washing stations were delivered in time for training demonstrations.

The CTC club will include both students and teachers who want to take responsibility for spreading the message of good health and hygiene among their peers. They will also be responsible for managing hand-washing stations, cleaning latrines, and keeping the school environment tidy. A water user committee has also been formed by parents and school administration, which will be responsible for overseeing and maintaining the new facilities. And since the tank was finished by the time we held training, we could take everyone to see exactly what we were talking about when it comes to caring for their new water source.

Headmaster Patrick Osindo was thrilled to offer this opportunity to his students, saying “I believe today’s training has impacted greater knowledge to our children and I believe that they will practice all that they have learned. We will educate the rest of the students who didn’t have the opportunity to be part of us in the two-day training.”

Project Result: VIP Latrines

This project funded the installation of six new VIP (ventilated improved pit) latrines. All of these latrines are easy to use and clean. And with a rainwater catchment tank, there should be enough water to keep them clean all the time!

Project Result: Hand-Washing Stations

The two hand-washing stations were delivered to school and handed over to the CTC club. These have been placed outside of the boys’ and girls’ latrines to encourage hand-washing after latrine use. CTC club members will teach other students how to properly wash their hands at these stations, and will make sure there is always soap or ash available. Now the school has the stations they need, and they have the water to fill them.

Project Result: Rainwater Catchment Tank

Construction for this 50,000-liter rainwater catchment tank was successful!

Parents, staff, and students helped our artisans gather everything needed for construction. All the while, women cooked meals for the artisans, and the school provided accommodations for the artisans during their work. Some local men and women even helped our artisans with their manual labor. The school was prepared and worked well with our artisans.

The construction process officially began with our staff and school administration moving around the school compound to try and determine the best location for a new rainwater catchment tank. This needed to be the best site with good, clean roofing to catch the rainwater.

Rainwater tank construction began with clearance of the site: excavating the soil within the required measurements to make level ground for the tank foundation. The foundation was cast by laying hardcore on a level ground and then reinforcing it using steel, concrete and waterproof cement.

As the foundation was being lain, both the drawing pipe as well as the washout pipe were affixed. The wall was built with ferro-cement techniques through six layers. The inner wall was plastered while rough casting was done on the outer part. The catchment area was dug, plastered, and a staircase installed.

After the superstructure had been given enough time to settle, the dome construction followed. The manhole cover was fitted, inlet pipes were connected to the roof gutters, inlet screens, ventilation pipes (breathers) and overflow pipes were all done to standards. Local men were particularly helpful in finding the wooden poles we’d need to prop up the dome while it dried.

Drainage was set up, and then the tank was given three to four weeks to undergo complete curing before it was cleaned and handed over to Emusoma Primary School. It already has some water in it!

Bentah Achieng’ is a mother of one of the students here, and also made sure we were accommodated as we worked. “We are indeed grateful to our partners for this wonderful project implemented in our school. We have had challenges when it comes to hygiene and sanitation for our children. With this project, I believe our students will have ample time for concentrating on their studies,” she said.

12/18/2017: Emusoma Primary School Project Underway

Emusoma Primary School in Kenya has begun building a new source of safe, clean water because of your generous donation. A rainwater catchment tank and new latrines are being constructed, hand-washing stations provided, and the school is being trained on proper sanitation and hygiene practices. Imagine the impact this will have on these students! Thank you for noticing the need here, and we’ll keep you posted as the work continues. But for now, please enjoy the new stories, pictures, and maps of this school.

Thank You for partnering with us to unlock the potential of these young students!

Project Photos

Project Type

The Water Project completes RainWater Catchment projects at schools, where on-site, safe water keeps kids in school. Water is collected off of specific areas of a roof, enters a custom guttering system (which filters out debris) and leads to a storage tank. Tanks can vary in sizes and are determined by the population of the school and average rainfall patterns. Water can be stored for months, is easily treated in the tank, and is accessible through taps on the tank.

The Water Project implements this technology in areas where we are also providing other community water projects. We believe if kids are able to get safe water at home, they should also get it at school (and vice versa!). We give RainWater Catchment an A+!